Honor the King in his North Kohala birthplace: June 11, 2023
Every June 11th, thousands of people gather on the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii to honor Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai'i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate. Kamehameha I was born in North Kohala, where residents played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.
SMALL town, BIG celebration
Hula Dancers 2013
Although North Kohala is a small community, each year on June 11th it puts forth a large grassroots effort to present a full day of celebration and tribute to King Kamehameha I. Visitors are welcomed to the North Kohala towns of Hawi and Kapa'au on Sunday, June 11, 2023 to take part in this unique local event. All events are free.
Procession of Royal Societies 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. There are four Royal Societies: The Royal Order of Kamehameha, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, Hale o Nā Aliʻi and Māmakakaua (Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors). The four Royal Societies will lead, followed by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, the ʻAhahui Kaʻiulani and Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
Lei Draping Ceremony and Tradition Paʻu Parade 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: See the original statue of King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. The statue in Kapa'au is decorated with many 20-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King.
Watch a traditional pa'u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9:00 AM the road closes while Honorees and Pa'u riders make their way from Kohala High and Elementary School to the statue and Kamehameha Park in Kapa'au. Parade to begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
Hana Noeʻau 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy "hands-on"education exhibits that ends the dayʻs festivities at the statue.
ʻAha 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Join us as we celebrate the Kohala Festivities and the ceremonial release of KŪKULU, A Tribute to the Pillars of Mauna a Wākea, a compilation CD acknowledging, recognizing and honoring all who stand for Mauna Kea and places everywhere around the world.
Procession of Royal Societies 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. There are four Royal Societies: The Royal Order of Kamehameha, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, Hale o Nā Aliʻi and Māmakakaua (Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors). The four Royal Societies will lead, followed by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, the ʻAhahui Kaʻiulani and Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
Lei Draping Ceremony and Tradition Paʻu Parade 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: See the original statue of King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. The statue in Kapa'au is decorated with many 20-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King.
Watch a traditional pa'u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9:00 AM the road closes while Honorees and Pa'u riders make their way from Kohala High and Elementary School to the statue and Kamehameha Park in Kapa'au. Parade to begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
Hana Noeʻau 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy "hands-on"education exhibits that ends the dayʻs festivities at the statue.
ʻAha 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Join us as we celebrate the Kohala Festivities and the ceremonial release of KŪKULU, A Tribute to the Pillars of Mauna a Wākea, a compilation CD acknowledging, recognizing and honoring all who stand for Mauna Kea and places everywhere around the world.
Kamehameha Day in North Kohala: All-day festivities, all events free, always on June 11th.
Funding provided by Hawai'i Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program.
Funding provided by Hawai'i Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program.
